[Graphical procedures for assessing person-fit in item factor analysis]

Flagging the individuals who did not answer consistently can be very useful in certain applied domains, especially in clinical and personnel selection areas. Identification of inconsistent patterns prevents erroneous interpretations of test scores. Two graphic procedures based on linear factor analysis are proposed in this paper. They allow the possible causes of low intra-individual consistency to be assessed once a pattern has been flagged as inconsistent. Moreover, these procedures allow us to identify the items that have contributed the most to the inconsistency. The procedures are illustrated with some empirical examples in personality. Lastly, implications of the results in the construction of personality measures are discussed.